Burglar takes electronics and vehicle from area mortuary
February 01, 2012
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Police Department
A burglar got away with numerous pieces of electronic equipment and drove off in an SUV stolen from an area mortuary last week, according to a Santa Paula Police Department spokesman.
Detective Sgt. Ishmael Cordero said the incident occurred January 23 at about 6 p.m. when the SPPD received a report that an employee of Funeraria del Angel Stetler Mortuary entered the business and heard noises coming from the second story of the building. Officers responded to the mortuary, located at 128 S. 8th St. at the corner of Yale Street.
“Upon arrival, the employee told officers when she entered the building she saw that multiple items were missing and heard noises upstairs.” Cordero said police officers immediately conducted a search of the building, but did not locate a suspect.
It appeared the suspect was selective in what they took: “They took only certain items; it looks like they were trying to get their equipment together because they took the public address system, CD player, televisions, computers, scanners, lots of electronics.”
And such a haul needed transportation: “The suspect or suspects also took an SUV that belongs to the business,” a white 2003 GMC Safari with a “Dignity Memorial” sign on the side of the vehicle that Cordero said might be magnetic and easily removed. “It doesn’t appear that anything was taken from the upstairs, just downstairs,” Cordero said.
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to contact the Santa Paula Police Department, 805-525-4474. If the caller would prefer to remain anonymous, they can call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 805-933-4253-1-#.
Those with information can also call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). Ventura County Crime Stoppers can also be contacted by texting “Busted” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Crime Stopper Tips can also be sent via the website, www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org. Tipsters can be eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.
